Quarantine ends for Logan County sites

By Journal-Advocate staff

Posted:
09/29/2012 08:30:21 AM MDT

The Colorado Department of Agriculture's State Veterinarian's office announced Friday that it has released four quarantines associated with the recent anthrax cases in Logan County; no premises remain under quarantine.

The original case was announced on Aug. 8. In all, approximately 55 cattle died due to the anthrax outbreak. The quarantine was in effect for 30 days after the last confirmed death, and was lifted on Sept. 25.

Anthrax can develop naturally in soil; the spores can become active in association with periods of marked climatic or ecologic change such as heavy rainfall, flooding or drought which can then expose the anthrax spores to grazing livestock. Outbreaks of anthrax are commonly associated with neutral or alkaline soils. In these areas the spores apparently revert to the vegetative form and multiply to infectious levels so that cattle, horses, mules, sheep and goats may readily become infected when grazing such areas.

Anthrax is a serious disease because it can cause the rapid loss of a large number of animals in a very short time. Often, animals are found dead with no illness detected.

Appropriate carcass disposal was used to prevent further soil contamination, the CDA said in a release. The infected animals were incinerated in a pit at the original site of the outbreak, with help from Logan County Road and Bridge employees, the Sterling Fire Department and the Colorado State Patrol hazmat team.

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"The response efforts of local authorities were very effective in the control of the disease," the release stated.

Officials said the public was not at risk of infection from the disease because it is not transmitted from person to person. Those who had contacted with the infected carcasses were given preventative treatment to ensure their safety.

The CDA said producers should consult their veterinarians and vaccinate their livestock, if deemed appropriate.

Humans or animals can become infected by coming in contact with infected animals or soil. Anthrax infection can be treated with antibiotics, especially if caught in the early stages.

RE-1 Valley School District has announced its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.
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